Pear peeling, coring, and splitting machine



Dec. 13, 1938. M REINSTHN f 2,139,695

PEAR FEELING,` CORING, AND SPLITTING `MACHINE Uriginal Filed June 8, 1931 6 Sheets-Sheet l MA REINSTEIN Dec.. 13, 1938.

PEAR FEELING, CORING, AND SPLITTING MACHINE Original Filed June 8, 1931 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 n INVENToR, MA u R/ c f /E/'Ns rfi/N BY A TTORNEYS.

DSC 13, 1938 M. REINSTEIN PEAR PEELNG, CORING, AND SPLTTING MACHINE Original Filed June 8, 1931 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR.

/VA Ufa/c5 /iE//vsTf//v ATTORNEYS.

Dec. 13, 1938. M4 RElNSTElN 2,139,695

PEAR FEELING, CORING, AND SPLITTING MACHINE original Filed June a, 1931 e Smets-sheet 4 IN VEN TOR.

Mn UR: CE /E//YS TE/N.

MMM/v f O0 A TTORNEYS.

De. 13, 1938. M RE|N5TE|N 2,139,695

PEAR FEELING, CORING, AND SPLITTIVNG MACHINE Original Filed June 8, 1931 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 INV EN TOR.

MA Ufa/c E /s//vs TE//Y mur/rw@ Oo.

ATTORNEYS.

Dec. 13, 1938. M- RE|N$TE1N '2,139,695

PEAR FEELING, CORING, AND SPLITTING MACHINE Original Filed June 8, 1951 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 IN VEN TOR.

ATTORNEYS.

Patented mee. 13, 1938 UNITED STATES PATENT oFFicE masses' PEAB. PEEuNG, come, AND smr'mid momma i Application :une s, 1931, semi No. 54am Renewed ctober 26, 1934 25 Claims. (Cl. 148-33) My invention relates to improvements in pear peeling, coring and splitting machines, and it consists of the combinations, constructions and arrangements hereinafter described and claimed.

An object of my invention is to provide a pear peeling, coring and splitting machine which is an improvement over a similar device flied March 31,

1931, Serial No. 526,740. In the co-pending device l showed a mechanism for simultaneously coring and peeling a pear. In the present form of the invention the coring operation takes place after the'peeling operation, and While the pear is impinged upon the splitting knives. 'Ihe splitting knives hold the pear against rotation during the coring operation more eiiiciently than the peeling knives.

A further object of my invention is to provide a device oi the type described in which novel `means is provided for boring a hole into the blossom end of the pear prior to the tubular member of the coring mechanism entering the hole. The

pear has previously had its stem removed. The

tubular member of the coring mechanism does not pass entirely through the pear as is true in my co-pending application. In the present form of the device the core portion of the pear extending from the stem end to the middle of the pear is not removed.

A further improvement of the present invention over the co-pending device lies in the provision of a preformed coring blade that normally lies within the tubular member and novel cam means for 'extending the blade radially for the coring of the pear. The cams that move the blade into operative position also aid in locking the blade in this position.

'I'he machine makes use of a separate tripping mechanism for causing the machine to operate. and this permits the operator to center a pear While the machine is operating on a prior pear.

Other objects and advantages will appear in the following speciiication, and the novel features of the device will be particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

My invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings formi g a part of this application, in which Figure 1 is a front elevation of the machine;

Figure 2 is a side elevation Figure 3 is a section along the line 3-3 of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a plan view of the pear feeding mechanism;

Figure 5 is a front view of a portion of theocring mechanism;

Figure 6 is a plan view of Figure 5;

Figure 'I is a sectional view of another part of the `coring mechanism; l

Figure 8 is a sectional view of a braking mechanism:

Figure 9 is a side elevation of Figure 8;

Figure 10 shows the positioning of the pear during the caring operation; and

Figure 11 shows a plan view of the pear splitting knife.

In carrying out my invention it is best to describe each function ofthe machine as it takes place, from the placing of the pear in the pear feeding mechanism until the pear is nallY ejected n from the machine after being peeled, cored and split. The description of each feature and its operation will be given before taking up the succeeding feature.,

` Pear centering mechanism The machine comprises aframe indicated generally at 'i and Figures 1 and 4 show how the frame I supports a guide I, and further show how a base l is slidable in the guide in a transverse direction to the length of the machine. The base l carries a casting 4 and an arm) of the casting (see Figure 1) supports a cylldnrical member I in which a spring pressed plunger l is mounted. The plunger 1 has a head I with a pointed end l designed to enter the stem end of a pear I0 (see Figure 4)'. A spring Il tends to urge the plunger 1 into operative position. A handle I2 is connected to the plunger 1 by' means of a pin Il, a sleeve 8i, and the spring l I, and this handle may be manually moved to the lett in Figure 4 for causing the head I to press against the pear i0 and to force the blossom end of the pear against a stop Il.

The stop I4 (see Figure 1) is carried by the base 3 and is provided with a slot il for receiving a tubular member il (see Figure 2). When the machineisidie the tubular member i8 projects a slight distance beyond the stop it as shown in Figure l.v

The tubular member Ii is carried by an upright I1, which in turn'is mounted upon a base il that is slidablyy disposed in aguide Il carried by the guide 42. The upright i1 has a limited movement to the leitin Figure l for removing the tubular member itfrom the slot Il. A motor 2l is mounted upon a base 2i that is also slidable inthe guide il and this motor carries a'drill 22 that is slidably disposed in the tubular member II. In normal position the end of the drill 22 is disposed flush with the end of the tubular member il. .1.

It is best'now to describe how the blossom end of the pear is provided with an opening that extends through the core. The operator after cutting the stem end of the fruit and placing the blossom end on the tubular member I6 and causing the spring pressed plunger to engage with the stem end, rocks a handle 23 (see Figure 1) and this movement rocks a shaft 24 which through a mechanism described in my copending application connects a worm gear 25 to a drive shaft 26. The worm gear 25 is rotated by a. motor 21 and the connection between the worm gear 25 and the shaft 26 will remain for one complete revolution of the shaft, after which the shaft will be automatically disconnected from the worm gear (see Figure 2). The rotation of the shaft 26 will rotate a cam 21 (see Figure 1).

A lever 2.8 is pivoted at 29 to the frame I and has a spring 3l) that swings the lever so that a cam roller 3l rides on the cam 21. A link 32 connects the lever 28 with the base 2|. A second link 33 connects the base 2i with the base lll. It will be noted that the second link 33 has a slot 34 therein. A spring 35 urges the base I8 and link 33 to the right in Figure l.

The cam 21 is rotated in a clockwise directionv in Figure 1 and it has a depression 36 that permits the lever 28 to swingto the right and to move the motor 26 and drill 22 to the right. The drill is rotating at a high speed and the depth of the recess 36 Vdetermines the length of the bore in the fruit cut away by the drill 22. The drill forces the portions of fruit that are cut through the tubular member I6.

The movement of the motor 20 and the drill 22 to the right without moving the base I6 to the right is permitted because the pivot pin 31 would travel in the slot 34. After the roller 3| rides through the depression 36 it will ride upon a raised portion 38 of the cam 21 and this will move the bases 2l and I8 to the extreme left position from the position shown in Figure 1. The drill 22 and tubular member I6 will be moved free of the stop i 4 and the pear will now be supported by the stop and by the spring pressed head 1.

It might be well to state at this time that the operator in moving the handle i2 to the left compresses the spring il and causes the head 6 to yieldingly engage with the end of the pear i6. A stop 39 carried by the base 3 (see Figure 4) limits the movement of a slide 46 to the left in Figure 4. The slide 46 carries the handle I2 and moves in a guide 4I carried by the base 3. The operator in moving the handle I2 brings the roller 42 of' the slide against the guide 4I and the slide moves easily because the handle I2`tends to rock the slide in a clockwise direction when moving the slide. Yielding means 43 in the shape of springs bear against the sides of the guide 4i and tend to rock the slide 46 in a counter-clockwise direction for moving the rollers 42 away from andi the ends 42' into binding engagement with the guide. The spring II pressing against the handle I2 only accentuates this movement and therefore the slide 40 is held against return movement. The spring II will therefore remain compressed and will exert a continuous force against the head 8. The force is sufficient to support the fruit between the head 8 and the stop I4.

After the fruit has been centered and bored the base 3 is moved in the guide 2 so as to center the bore in the fruit with the axis of a coring member. As already stated, the bore in the fruit passes only through the core. The diameter of the coring member 44 is slightly larger than the bore in the fruit and therefore the entrance of the coring member into the fruit will cause a snug engagement which will support the fruit.

'I'he means for moving the base 3 in the guide 2 comprises a cam 45 (see Figure 2) that is mounted on the shaft 26 and that has a groove for receiving a roller 46 carried by a lever 41 that is pivoted at 48 to the frame I. The top ofthe lever 41 is connected by a link 49 to a projection 56 depending from the base 3. The groove in the cam 45 is so arranged that it will swing the lever A41 in a clockwise direction in Figure 2 after the drill and tubular member I6 have been removed. from the stop I4. The moving of the base 3 moves the pear I0 transversely and aligns it with the coring member 44. The cam 45 is so arranged that it will hold the base 3 in its moved position while the coring member 44 is entering the bore in the fruit.

After the coring member 44 has entered the fruit the head 8 is freed from the fruit by the following mechanism: A large wheel 5I (see Figure 3) is carried by the shaft 26 and has a cam edge 52 that has a projection 53. A lever 54 is pivoted at 55 to the frame I and a roller 66 lcarried by the lever bears against the edge 52. The projection 53 striking the roller 56 will swing the lever 54 ina clockwise direction and the lever will move an ejector 51 by means of a link 58.

'I'he ejector slides in a guide 59 (see Figure 4) and strikes a notch 60 in the handle I2 and moves the handle and slide 46 to the right and this returns the head 8 to the full line position shown in Figure 4. The slide 40 is rocked for bringingy the rollers 42 into position during this movement. It will be seen that the pin I3 is connected to the sleeve 6I which rides on a rod 62 of the plunger 1. The sleeve 6I engages with a nut 63 on the rod 62 and moves the head 8 so as to free the pear I6. The pear will now be supported entirely by the coring member 44.

As soon as the head 6 is moved free of the pear I6 the base 3 is moved back into starting position while the coring member remains stationary. I will presently describe the mechanism for moving the coring member. Thev return movement of the base 3 is caused by the cam 45 and lever 41. The return of the base 3 positions the head 6 in alignment with the tubular member I6 and the operator can place another pear in position while the pear on the coring member 46 is being acted upon.

Pear coring mechanism 'Ihe frame l has a guide 64 which receives a main slide 65 (see Figure 1) Figure 6 shows the main slide 65 as carrying brackets 66 and 66a which in turn carry a sleeve 61. The sleeve 61 is clamped in bracket 66 and slides in the bracket 66a and houses the coring member 44. The member 44 (see Figure 7) extends beyond the sleeve 61 at both ends and has a slot 66 for permitting a pre-formed coring knife 69 to project therethrough. The knife normally assumes the position shiwn in Figure 7 and is in this position when the member 44 enters the bore in the fruit. The sleeve 61 carries a rubber bumper 10 that bears against the blossom end of the fruit.

After the base 3 has positioned the fruit I0 so that the bore in the fruit registers with the axis of the coring member 44, the member 44 is moved to the right in Figure 4 so that it will enter the bore. This movement is accomplished by the following mechanism: 'I'he wheel 5I has a cam groove 1I in its rear face (note the dotted lines in Figure 3). A lever 12 is pivoted at 'I3 to the 75 frame I and has a roller 1I riding in the cam groove 1I. The lever 1! is connected to the main slide Il by the link 1I. 'Ihe cam groove 1I is of such shape as to move the coring member M into the fruit after the fruit has been positioned and then to stop further movement while the base I is returning to starting position. The coring member 44 is carried by the sleeve I1 and this sleeve is moved by the bracket II, which in turn are moved by the'main slide Il.

The main slide is brought to a temporary stop after the coring member 4l has entered the fruit and a braking action is applied to the main slidev when bringing it to a stop. The particular construction of the brake is shown in Figure 8. The main slide IB carries a shank 1I threaded in the manner shown, and a collar 11 is mounted on the shank and receives one end of the link 1l. A

.the moment the camv groove 1I is bringing the lever 12 to a stop. The pawl II tends to rotate the ratchet against a braking action.

The cam groove 1I moves the main slide Il forwardly after the base I has been returned to starting position and causes the coring member Il to move the fruit through a plurality of pairs of peeling knives I2. 'I'hese knives are shown in Figure 1 and they have been described-in my copending application and therefore need no description at this time. except to say that they are so arranged as to peel the entire pear while the pear therethrough.

After the pear has been advanced through al1 of the peeling knives I2 the member M is brought to rest while the forward end of the pear impinges upon a splitting knife II of the shape shown in Figures 10 and 11. 'I'he member M although not advanced temporarily is now ro-A tated and the coring knife II is moved into the dotted line position shown in Figure '7 and in to the full line position shown in Figure 10.

This is accomplished by the mechanism now to be described. While the main slide Il has been moving forwardly the depressed portion Il of a cam Il positioned adjacent to the cam I2 (see Figure 3) passes beneath a roller II on a lever I1 so that the lever is swung by a spring I1' in a clockwise direction. A link II connects the lever I1 with a rack II. Figure 6 shows the main slide Il as having a pinion II that is moved with the main slide and comes into mesh with the rack II after the coring member 44 comes to rest with the pear II partly impinged on the splitting knife II. At this time the enlarged portion Il of the cam I4 under the roller II and rotates the lever I1 in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 3. -The rack II is.thl1s shifted to the left and the resulting rotation of the pinion Il on the rack IIwill rotate the coring member Il through the medium of the bevelled gears II shown in Figure 6 and the screw I2 connecting the sleeve on one of the gears II with the coring member N (see Figure '7).

During this rotative movement of the coring member 4I the coring knife II is moved into the dotted line position shown in Figure 7. This movement has also been described in my copending application and comprises a roller 5I that contacts with a cam Il (see Figure 6) that is carried by the rack II and is movable therewith. The roller I3 rocks a bell crank lever 95 and this moves a rod II with respect to the mem-- ber 44 (see Figure 7) and the cam end 91 of the rod moves the corlng knife into operative position. The end of the member Il is closed and has a cam portion II cooperating with the cam end`91. The cam I1 also cooperates with the member 44 and clamps the knife in operative position.

It will be seen therefore, that the coring knife II will make` a lspiral cut in the core because the knife is moved into operative position while the member I4 is being rotated. The rack 89 is moved with respect to the pinion II during the coring operation in order that the member 44 may be held against longitudinal movement while at the same time being rotated.

While the pear is held against longitudinal movement the blossom end is cutoff and this is accomplished by the same mechanism shown in my co-pending application. Briefly this mechanism comprises a cam groove lli in the wheel 5i (see Figure 3), a roller III movable in the cam groove III, a lever III carrying the roller and pivoted to the frame i at III, a link |05 (see Figure 1) connected to the lever III, links |06 connected to the link Ill, arms Ill, knife carrying frames II1' connected to the links IIB and blossom end cutting knives III secured to the frames Il1' (see Figure 2). 'I'he arms |01 are actuated and the knives III cut the blossom end of the pear while the member I4 is held against longitudinal movement. It should be noted that a pawl III similar to the pawl II engages with the ratchet 1I and this creates a braking force for bringing the member .Il to a stop.

Pear splitting operation After the coring operation has taken place the cam groove 1I again advances the main slide I5 so that the member Il will move the pear over the splitting knife I3. Figure 11 shows the knife II provided with a central recess II for receiving the member Il. and the knife is closed at III so as to cut that portion of the fruit extending from the stem end down to the coring member Il. 'I'he splitting knife II will therefore cut the pear into two equal halves and these halves may be discharged into receptacles not shown.

The member Il now starts on its return movement and during thisl movement the pinion II again engages with the rack II so as to rotate the member 4I. The rack II rides on a ledge III of the main frame I. The miler II has a portion III thatvrides on a cam edge Il! and this prevents "the cam edge Il acting on the bell crank lever Il and therefore the coring knife II will not be moved into operative position. The cam Il is carried by the rack II and moves therewith. Guides m fuso mm with the rack II and the gear II has iiat portions III for en- 888111Z with the guides III so as to prevent further rotation of the gear after the gear-once beyond the rack II. i

When the main slide IB reaches the position shown in Figure 1 the shaft II will be automatically disengaged from the worm gear 25 by the cam III in the manner set forth in my copending application. 'I'he machine is now reacLv for the next pear which the operator has already 1g placed on the tubular memberl and has held in position by the head B andthe pointed end 9. An actuation of the control handle 23 will again start the functioning of the device and the new pear will be operated upon in the same manner as that described for the iirst pear. It should be noted from Figure 6 that a spring I I6 returns the rod 96 to normal position and this permits the coring knife 69 to move back into the member 4I. The member 44 has a slot Ill for allowing coring matter to pass therethrough so as to prevent the knife from becoming clogged.

Although I have shown and described one embodiment of my invention it is to be understood that the same is susceptible of various changes and I reserve the right to employ such changes as may come within the scope of the claims hereto annexed.

'I claim:

1.-A coring mechanism comprising a tubular member designed to enter a pear, said member having a slot therein, a pre-formed arcuate cutting blade disposed in the tube, caming means disposed at the ends of the blade, and means for moving the caming means toward each other for moving the pre-formed curved portion of the blade through the slot, and means for rotating the member.

2. A coring mechanism comprising a tubular member designed to enter a pear, said member having a slot therein, a pre-formed arcuate cutting blade disposed in the tube, cams disposed at the ends of the blade, and means for moving the cams toward each other for moving the preformed curved portion of the blade through the slot, and means for rotating the member, one of said cams clamping one end of the blade to the tubular member when the cams are moved toward each other. whereby the blade is held in extended position.

3. A centering device and fruit corer comprising means for engaging with the stem end of a pear, a tubular member for entering the blossom end, means for cutting a bore in the blossom end and removing the material through the tubular member, means for withdrawing the tubular member from the pear, a coring mechanism having a tubular member slightly larger in diameter than the iii-st tubular member, means for aligning the bore of the fruit with the second tubular member, means for advancing the second tubular member into `the bore, said second tubular member having a slot, a curved knife disposed in the tube and projectible through the slot, cams for moving the knife through the slot and for clamping its ends to the tube, and means for rotating the second tube for coring the fruit.

4. In a pear corer, peeler, and splitter, a. pear supporting and moving member for moving a pair in the direction of its length through the peeler and the splitter, said member carrying a coring mechanism, means for advancing the member, said means bringing the member to a temporary stop in its longitudinal movement when the pear contacts with the splitter, means for applying a brake to the longitudinal movement of the member for aiding in bringing it to an abrupt stop, means for actuating the coring extending the knife through the slot while rotating the tube for coring the fruit.

6. In a pear centering device, a stop having a slot therein, a tubular member projecting through the slot, a rotatable drill mounted in the tubular member, spring means for yieldingly holding the blossom end of a pear against the stop and in a position where the tubular member enters the pear, and means for advancing the drill approximately half way into the pear for forming a bore extending through the core and then for removing the drill from the pear.

7. In a pear centering device, a stop having a slot therein, a tubular member projecting through the slot, a rotatable drill mounted in the tubular member, spring means for yieldingly holding the blossom end of a pear against the stop and in a position where the tubular member enters the pear, means for advancing the drill approximately half way into the pear for forming a bore extending through the core and then for removing the drill from the pear and also the tubular member, a coring member for entering the bore in the pear. and means for moving the pear into a position for aligning the bore with the coring member.

8. In a pear centering device, a plunger for engaging with the stem end of a pear, a spring, a handle for compressing the spring for yieldingly holding the plunger against the pear, a slide for supporting the handle, a guide for the slide,

spring means carried by the slide for swinging it into binding engagement with the guide for preventing the spring from returning the handle to starting position, rollers carried by thel slide, and means for engaging with the slide for bringing the rollers against the guide and freeing the slide from a binding position for returning the slide to starting position.

9. In a pear centering mechanism, a stop having a slot therein. a tubular member projecting through the slot and designed to enter the blossom end of a pear, a spring pressed plunger engaging with the stem end, a drill disposed in the tubular member, means for advancing the drill into and out of the pear for forming a bore extending approximately half way through the pear, said means when moving the drill out of the pear, carrying the tubular member therewith, a coring member having a diameter slightly larger in diameter than the bore in the pear, means for moving the stop and plunger into a position to align the bore with the coring member, and means for advancing the coring member into the bore.

10. In a pear centering mechanism, a stop having a. slot therein, a tubular member projecting through the slot and designed to enter the blossom end of a pear, a spring pressed plunger engaging with the stem end, a drill disposed in the tubular member, meansv for advancing the drill into, and out of the pear for forming a bore extending approximately half way through the pear, said means when moving the drill out of the pear, carrying the tubular member therewith, a coring member having a diameter slightly larger in diameter than the bore in the pear, means for moving the stop and plunger into a position to align the bore with the coring member, and means for advancing the coring member into the bore, means for freeing the plunger from the pear,

said stop and plunger moving means again returning them to starting position.

11. In a pear coring, peeling and splitting machine, a pear supporting member movable in a predetermined path, peeling means and splitting means placed in the path, coring means carried by the member, pear centering means normally disposed out of the path of said member for receiving a pear, means for moving the pear centering means from receiving position and for centering the pear with respect to said member, means for moving the member for causing itto enter and to support the pear and for holding the member against further longitudinal movement until the centering means has been moved away,

said member-moving means moving the pear into engagement with the splitting knife, means for causing the coring means to become active while the pear remains on the splitting knife, said member moving means moving the pear by the splitting knife after the coring operation.

12. A pear coring. peeling and splitting machine comprising a pear supporting member hav` ing a`coring mechanism, pear peeling and splitting means placed in the path of the member, a pear receiving and centering mechanism. means controlled by the operator for causing the pear centering means to transfer the pear from receiving position to said member. means for causing the member to rst enter the pear and then to move the pear in the direction of its length past the peeling and splitting means. and means Ynnactuating the criringI mechanism when the pear is engaged by the splitting means.

13. In a fruit splitting and coring machine. a splitting knife. a coring knife. an impaling member for supporting a pear by impalement of the pear thereon. means providing relative movement between a pear so supported and said splitting knife tn partially impale the pear on said splitting knife and hold the pear in such position for the coring operation. and means for actuating the coring knife while the pear is only partially impaled on said splitting knife.

14. In a fruit splitting and coring machine. a splitting knife. a tube for supporting and moving a pear onto the splitting knife. a coring knife housed in said tube. and means for operating said tube to impale a pear part way on said splitting knife and to maintain the pear in such partially impaled position during operation of said coring knife, and then to complete the splitting operation. l5. In a fruit splitting and coring machine, a splitting knife, a tube for supporting and moving a pear onto the splitting knife, an abutment on said tube for engaging the butt end of a pear supported thereon, a coring knife housed in -said tube 'adjacent said abutment for alignment with the core of a pear on said tube, and means for operating said tube to impale a pear part wav on said splitting knife and to maintain the pear in this position during operation of said coring knife, and.. then to complete the splitting operation. 16. Ina fruit splitting and coring machine, a splitting knife, a tube for supporting and moving apearonto said splitting knife, means mounting said tube for both rotary and axial movement, a coring knife housed in said tube, and operating and control means for said tube for effecting axial movement of said tube to impale a pear part way on said splitting knife preparatory to a coring operation, to rotate said tube and actuate said coring knife, and for subsequently effecting further axial movement of said tube to complete thesplitting operation.

l'l/Iin a fruit splitting and coring machine, fruit impaling means, a tube for supporting and moving a pear onto said impaling means, means mounting said tube for both rotary and axial movement, a coring knife housed in said tube, and operating and control means for said tube for effecting axial movement of said tube to impale a pear part way on said impaling means preparatory to a coringv operation, and then to rotate said tube and actuate said coring knife.

18. In a fruit splitting and coring machine, a splitting knife, a fruit supporting tube, means mounting said tube and said knifefor relative rotary and 'axial movement with respect to the axis of said tubega coring knife housed in said tube,

means for effecting relative axial movement between said tube and said splitting knife to impale a pear supported by said tube part way on said knife, means gfor enabling said coring knife, and means for effecting relative rotary movement between said tube and said splitting knife with a pear partially impaled on said splitting knife to perform the coring operation.

19. In a fruit splitting and coring machine, fruit impaling means, a fruit supporting tube, means mounting said tube and said impaling means for relative rotary and axial movement with respect to the -axis of said tube, a coring knife housed in said tube, means for effecting relative axial movement between said tube and said impaling means to impale a pear supported by said tube part way on said impaling means, means for enabling said coring knife, and means for effecting relative rotary movement between said tube and said impaling means with a pear partially impaled on said impaling means to perform the coring operation.

20. In a fruit coring and peeling machine, a fruit feeding device designed to receive fruit, a fruit supporting tube. said fruit feeding device having means for initially supporting the fruit with the fruit axis paralleling the tube axis, means for moving the feeding device to position the fruit in axial alignment with the tube, means for moving the tube into one end of the fruit, and for freeing the feeding means from the fruit, means including a coring knife housed in said tube for coring the fruit, and blade means partially impaling the fruit at the other end to hold it against -rotation during the coring operation.

21. In a fruit coring and peeling machine, a fruit feeding device designed toreceive fruit. a fruit peeling means including a fruit supporting tube, said fruit feeding device having means for initially supporting the fruit with the fruit axis paralleling the tube axis, means for moving the feeding device to position the fruit in axial alignment with the tube, means for moving the tube into the fruit, and for freeing the feeding means fromthe fruit, means for actuating said fruit peeling means for peeling the fruit while supported by the tube, and means including a coring knife housed in said tube for coring the fruit after the peeling operation, and a splitting knife designed to enter the fruit and to hold it against rotation during the coring operation.

22. In combination, a tubular fruit supporting member having a longitudinal slot therein, a coring strip housed in said member and guided by said slot to be projected therethrough in arcuate coring position, a V-shaped surface in said tube in alignment with said slot for engaging one end of said strip. and a rod slldable in said tube and having a beveled end for engaging the other end of said strip.

23. In a fruit splitting and coring machine, a splitting knife, in impaling member for supporting a pear by impalement of the pear thereon, a coring knife carried by said impaling member, and means providing relative movement between a pear so supported and said splitting knife to impale the pear part way on said splittingl knife and to maintain the pear inv such partially impaled position during operation of said coring knife, and then to complete the splitting operation.

24. In a fruit splitting and coring machine, a splitting knife, a tube for supporting a pear, an abutment on said tube for engaging the butt end 4of a pear supported thereon, a coring knife housed in said tube adjacent said abutment for alignment with the core of a pear on said tube, and means providing relative movement between said tube and splitting knife to impale the pear part way on said splitting knife and to maintain the pear in this position during operation of said coring knife, and then to complete the splitting operation.

25. In a fruit splitting and coring machine, a splitting knife, an impaling member for supporting a pear by impalement of the pear thereon, means mountnig said impaling member and said knife for relative rotary movement with respect to the axis of said impaling member, a coring knife carried by said impaling member, means for effecting relative movement between said pear and said splitting knife to impale the pear supported by said impaling member part way on said knife, and means for effecting relative rotary movement between said impaling member and said splitting knife with the pear partially impaled on said splitting knife to perform the coring operation.

MAURICE REINSTEIN. 20

CERTIFICATE 0F CORRECTION Patent No 2,159, 695.

MAURICE REINSTEIN.

It is hereby certified that error December 15, l958 of the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows: Page 2, second column, line 6h., for shiwn read shown; page it, first column, line 60, claim Il, for "pair" read pear; page 6, first column, line )4, claim 25, for in read an; and second column, line 8,

claim 25, for "mountnig" read mounting; and that the said Letters Patent shouldbe read with this correction therein that the same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Office.,

Signed and sealed this 6th day of (Seal) June, A.D. 1959.

Henry Van Ars'dale Acting Commissioner of Patents. 

